STE’s Ethan Flores: Going for the Finish Line

It was a chilly Sunday morning. Fourteen thousand people from all over the world are gathered at the starting line of the 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon, dressed in every attire you could imagine: giant pizza costumes, head-to-toe Lululemon, and of course, the oh-so-stylish garbage bags to keep the wind out. Somewhere on this starting line stood STE junior Ethan Flores, ready to complete his second half-marathon.

Less than one percent of the world’s population has ever completed a half-marathon, proving that 13.1 miles is no easy task. For Ethan, growing up with asthma made running even more difficult. The first time he ran, it was not a good experience. “I hated it,” Ethan admits. But then something changed.
The summer before his sophomore year, Ethan began attending morning Cross Country practices led by Coach Bret Ramsey. Encouraged by his progress, Ethan committed to the STE Cross Country team when school started. This time, he stuck with it. Eventually, running became an activity Ethan enjoyed. “It was an outlet where I could zone out,” Ethan says. Still, staying healthy was his primary motivation for running.

That is, until Ethan’s dad, who had planned on running the marathon with Ethan’s mom, injured his ankle a couple of months ahead of the 2025 Houston Marathon. Not wanting his mom to race alone, Ethan decided to step up and join his mom for training. On January 19, Ethan crossed the finish line wearing his dad’s bib, earning a medal and well-deserved bragging rights.

This year, Ethan’s dad, with his ankle healed, was able to run the half-marathon with Ethan, making it extra memorable. The pair “discussed many things during the race,” which, according to Ethan, helped take their minds off the pain. When it grew tougher to push through with sore legs and hurting feet, creative signs from the crowd and free donut samples kept their spirits high. Upper School Chemistry teacher, Professor Karen Ward, who has supported her daughter during her many Houston Marathon races, also enjoys the atmosphere as a spectator. “It’s really cool how all the people come together and root for every single runner,” she says.

While a half-marathon is an incredible feat (pun intended), Ethan has a unique perspective: “It’s worthless unless you care.” He believes that it’s the hard work and dedication that lead up to race day that make it so special. “Whether it’s walking a 5k or running a marathon, the most important thing is to persevere and stay focused on the path ahead,” Ethan believes.

His words are a reminder that no matter how big or small a goal may be, “hang tight,” as Coach Ramsey says, and go for the finish line.